Volume displacement seed planter, matrix, and method of planting seed

ABSTRACT

A seed planter and method for planting seeds, wherein the seeds to be planted are first suspended substantially uniformly in a suitable gel matrix, the seed-bearing matrix then being directly injected at planting depth into a prepared seed bed according to a desired planting pattern.

HUME 1111 States Patent Tiedler et a1, 1 1 Mar, 114, 1972 [54] VDIIUUMEDTSPLACEMENT SEED 3,442,221 5/1969 Phillips et a1. ..103/117 PLANTER,MATRIX, AND METHOD 0T OTHER PUBLICATIIONS Inventors: Melvin L. Fiedler,1515 Larkspur Street, McAllen, Tex. 78501; .lloe N. Summers, Jr., 906Bryce Drive, Mission, Tex. 78572 Filed: Nov. 6, 1968 Appl. No.: 773,889

llnt. 1C1. ..A0]1c 7/118, A01c 23/00 Field ollSearch ..47/9;111/1,6,7,34, 36-37, 111/51, 77-78;222/407,349,176178;103/1l7; 221/185References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 7/1968 Wolf ..222/349 X SowingSeeds in Fluid, Farm Implement and Machinery Review, July 1, 1963, page959 Primary Examiner-Robert E. Bagwill Att0meyBac0n & Thomas [57]ABSTRACT A seed planter and method for planting seeds, wherein the seedsto be planted are first suspended substantially uniformly in a suitablegel matrix, the seed-bearing matrix then being directly injected atplanting depth into a prepared seed bed according to a desired plantingpattern.

The planter includes a tank for the seed-bearing gel matrix, to which isconnected a positive displacement dispenser pump for each row of seed tobe planted, the outlet of the pump being connected to a dispenser nozzlecarried behind a soil opener. The planter is moved through a prepared,dry field, and includes a gauge wheel that engages the ground and isconnected through suitable drive means to operate the dispenser pumpaccording to a desired planting pattern to automatically dispensemeasured amounts of the seed-bearing e1 matrix as the planter movesacross the gel 5 Claims, 9 Drawing lFigni-es I A 1 25 54 32 ma 9Patented March 14,, 1972 4 Sheets-Sheet l Patented March 14, 1972 shwtsshoet 5 IN w; x 701:5 MEL V/N L. HEDLER Joe M SuMMERgJk.

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VOLUME DISPLACEMENT SEED PLANTER, MATRIX, AND METHOD OF PLANTING SEEDBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION l'. Field of the Invention This inventionrelates generally to a method and apparatus for precisely planting seedsaccording to a preselected planting pattern, and particularly for theplanting of small seeds such as those of lettuce, strawberries and thelike.

More particularly, it relates to a method and apparatus for plantingseeds wherein the seeds to be planted can be partially germinated ifdesired, and wherein soil nutrients and other chemicals desirable forproper plant growth and development can be planted with the seeds in oneoperation.

2. Description of the Prior Art The two principal common methods forplanting seeds are to broadcast or throw them at random across aprepared seed bed, or to place them directly into the soil at a selecteddepth. The latter method is utilized in grain drills, commonly used toplant wheat and like crops, and in planters used in row crop farming,wherein seeds are planted in distinct, spaced rows. The presentinvention relates to the second method of planting, wherein the seedsare placed directly into the soil, and is shown and described herein asapplied to a planter for row crop farming. However, the principles ofthe invention can also be employed in grain drills, and other plantingdevices of the same general type used to directly place seed at adesired depth in the soil.

In row crop farming, at present, the seeds normally are plantedutilizing a mechanical planter, wherein dry seed is carried in a hoppermounted above a soil-breaking planting shoe having a seed dispensingopening in the heel thereof. A gravity tube usually connects the seedhopper with the planting shoe, and a revolving plate or other mechanicalmechanism is operated as the planter is moved through the field todispense seeds, in measured quantity, through the gravity tube to theplanting shoe opening.

The best of such mechanical seed planters frequently fail to plant thedesired number of seeds at the intended soil position, because ofimproper feeding of seed to the gravity tube and/or clogging of saidtube, resulting in improper plant populations or undesirable plantlocations. This problem is aggravated when the seeds are extremely smallin size, as with lettuce and strawberries, for example.

In some instances it is desirable to coat the seeds with soil nutrientsand other chemicals prior to planting so that the nutrients andchemicals are available to the planted seed. This can be done with mostmechanical planters in use today, provided the seed in the hopper iskept relatively dry. If the seeds to be planted are too moist or if theyhave germinated to such an extent that they stick or cling to oneanother, the mechanical dispensing means and the gravity feed systemwill clog and cease to work.

Because some modern soil chemicals and plant nutrients can clog orotherwise impair the seed-planting mechanism, or because their form andnature make them unsuitable for dispensing together with seed throughthe mechanism of a conventional planter, separate dispensing mechanismsfor such chemicals and nutrients are now commonly used to place them inthe soil separately from the seed. The resulting multiplicity ofdispensing and planting devices is usually cumbersome and subject tobreakdown, and frequently the chemicals and nutrients are not placed inproper relation to the seeds.

The need thus exists for an improved method and apparatus for plantingseeds, which is capable of economically and precisely planting seeds ofany size in a seed bed, whether the seeds are partially germinated ornot, and which preferably can also simultaneously and accuratelydispense such chemicals and soil nutrients as are deemed necessary forproper plant growth and development. The present invention satisfiesthat need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention completely departs fromthe conventional concept of seed planters which gravity-feed dry seed tothe soil. Instead, the seeds to be planted are first mixed with a gelcarrier and uniformly suspended therein to form a seedcarrier matrixwhich is then injected in strip or ribbon form directly into a trench inthe seed bed at the precise location and depth desired.

The matrix may comprise any suitable material that will form a gel andmaintain the seeds in uniform suspension therein prior to planting, andwhich will not interfere with the germination of the seeds under normalsoil conditions. With the proper matrix and proper mixing procedures,the seeds will be distributed evenly throughout the matrix. Hence, thenumber of seeds planted in a given length of trench is easily controlledby proper choice of the seed-to-gel carrier ratio. Plant nutrients,insecticides, herbicides: and like chemicals for insuring proper plantgrowth and development can be mixed with the seed-bearing matrix beforeplanting so that they are injected into the soil together with theseeds. Even partially germinated seed can be planted by the presentmethod, since the need for dry, nonsticking seed is eliminated, themixing of such seed with the matrix material tending to separate suchseeds from each other.

The planter apparatus of the invention includes a frame on which ablender tank is mounted for mixing the seeds with the gel carrier, andwith whatever nutrients and chemicals are desired, the tank having atleast one outlet to which a dispenser pump is connected. The framesupports at least one ground-engaging gauge wheel, which is connectedthrough suitable driving means to operate the dispenser pump, and atrench-forming soil opener is also attached to the planter frame and hasa discharge nozzle mounted on the heel end thereof connected by adelivery conduit to the outlet of the dispenser pump. The soil should bedry and flowable so that the seed in the trench is covered by gravityflow of the soil into the trench behind the discharge nozzle. However,the trench can be closed by using a follower wheel, if desired orrequired by soil conditions.

When in use, the planter is connected to a tractor or the like, and ismoved through the field with the soil opener engaged to a desired depthin the seed bed. Forward motion of the planter causes the gauge wheel torotate, which in turn operates the dispenser pump to extrude theseed-bearing matrix through the discharge nozzle. Usually, two or morerows of seeds will be planted with one pass of the planter, the planterhaving a separate dispenser pump, soil opener, and discharge nozzle foreach row.

The driving connection between the gauge wheel and each dispenser pumpcan assume different configurations. One embodiment of the inventionfeatures a mechanical arrangement, wherein the gauge wheel is connectedto operate a drive gear that in turn is engaged with a gear carried bythe power shaft of the dispenser pump. The drive gear is connected torotate with the gauge wheel, so that it is in motion whenever theplanter is being moved through the field during a planting operation. Ifit is desired to continually extrude the seed-bearing matrix, so that acontinuous row of plants will result, the teeth on both the drive gearand the pump gear will extend completely around the circumferencethereof, so that the dispenser pump will be operated and seed-bearingmatrix will be continuously extruded while the planter is movingforward.

On the other hand, it is frequently desirable to skip-plant, i.e., havethe plants in a row separated by unplanted areas. This can beaccomplished with the mechanical arrangement by utilizingcircumferentially spaced groups of teeth on the drive gear tointermittently drive the dispenser pump. When a group of teeth on therotating drive gear engages the pump gear, the dispenser pump will beoperated and seed matrix will be dispensed, the length of the extrusiondepending upon the arcuate length of the drive gear tooth group. Whenthe spaces between the drive gear tooth groups are presented to the pumpgear, the pump gear will not be driven and no seed will be planted, thusleaving a gap between groups of seeds.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the output shaft of an electricclutch is connected to the dispenser pump drive shaft, and the inputshaft of the clutch is connected to be driven whenever the planter gaugewheel is rotated. The electric clutch is operated by a photocell andpunched tape arrangement, the latter also being driven by the plantergauge wheel. The punched tape in cooperation with the photocell andappropriate circuitry operate the electric clutch, and hence thedispenser pump, according to a predesigned planting program.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method andapparatus for precisely and accurately planting partially germinated orungerminated seeds of nearly any size directly in a prepared seed bed,with or without soil nutrients or other chemicals.

A further object is to provide a seed planter designed for use with theseed planting method of the invention, which planter utilizes a minimumof components and can accommodate various kinds of seeds, soil nutrientsand chemicals.

Still another object is to provide a seed planter designed to give fulland accurate control over plant spacing in a given row, and which cansimultaneously plant multiple rows of seeds in staggered spacing withprecision.

A still further object is to provide a seed planter, matrix and methodthat will avoid wasting seed and space the seeds for maximum crop yield.

Yet another object is to provide electrical controls for a seed planter,designed to effect precise regulation of seed location and, hence, plantspacing.

Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of the invention willbecome readily apparent from the following description when taken inconjunction with the attached drawings:

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a firstembodiment of the present seed planter, showing a mechanical drivingconnection between the planter gauge wheel and the power shaft of thedispenser pump, designed to provide intermittent seed planting;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary rear elevational view, partly in section,showing a ribbon-type paddle assembly within the blender tank of theplanter of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary plan view of the planter of FIGS. 1 and 2,showing further details thereof;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged vertical sectional view through one of thedispenser pumps, taken on the line 4-4 of FIG. 2, and showing in detailthe design of the drive gear and its mating pump gear;

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view through the dispenser pump and pumpgear, taken on the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of one of the soil openers;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a second embodiment of theinvention, showing two dispenser pumps and a program tape-controlledelectric clutch arrangement for coupling the gauge wheel with thedispenser pumps to operate a four-row seed planter;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the electrical control circuit for theapparatus shown in FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary side elevation view, showing a presser wheelarrangement for closing the seed trench.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6 ofthe drawings, a seed planter constructed according to the invention isindicated generally at 2, and includes a frame 4 comprising a frontrectangular tool bar or cross beam 6 to which the forward ends of a pairof rearwardly extending parallel side beams 8 are welded. The side beams8 each have one section 10 of a clamp 12 welded to the rear endsthereof, and a rear rectangular crossbeam 14 is secured to the clampsections 10 by the other clamp sections 16 and bolts 18. A pair ofspaced stub connector bars 20 is welded to project forwardly from thefront crossbeam 6. A pair of inclined upright members 22 is disposedbetween the bars 20 and is welded to the front crossbeam 6 at itsmiddle.

The stub bars 20 and the members 22 are connected by pins 24 and 25,respectively, to the corresponding elements of a conventionalthree-point hitch assembly H mounted on the rear of a tractor 26,whereby the planter 2 is attached to and supported by the tractor. Thetractor 26 includes a hydraulic system (not shown) connected to operatethe threepoint hitch assembly I-I thereof, whereby the planter 2 can beraised and lowered.

Mounted beneath the planter frame 4 is a flat soil plate 28, whichextends across the full width of the frame 4 and is secured to the frontcrossbeam 6 by welded angle iron braces 30. The soil plate 28 has awidth about one-third the length of the side beams 8, as viewed in FIG.I, and is disposed centrally beneath the frame 4. A plurality ofrectangular shoe plates 32a, 32b, 32c and 32d project rearwardly fromthe soil plate 28, one for each row of seed to be planted, and each hasa knifelike soil opener 34 secured to the undersurface thereof. Each ofthe soil openers 34 has an inclined forward edge 36 and a vertical heeledge 38, and is designed to open the soil S of a seed bed to form atrench to receive seed-bearing matrix.

While the planter concept of the invention can be adapted for use withdifierent kinds of soils and seed beds, in the present drawings theplanter 2 is designed to be used to plant prepared mounded beds Bdisposed between lister furrows F. Thus, the soil plate 28 glides overthe relatively flat top surface of the beds B, and the soil openers 34are symmetrically spaced apart a suitable distance depending upon thecenterto-center distance measured from each bed B to the next. Themounded beds B are formed utilizing conventional bedderlister tillageequipment, which forms no part of the invention.

Secured to the frame 4 above the soil plate 28 by angle irons 29 andbolts 31 is a blender tank 40 comprising a U-shaped plate forming abottom wall 41 and sidewalls 43 of the tank, and having bearing units 42mounted on the end walls 44 thereof for receiving the opposite endportions of a shaft 46. The shaft 46 supports a ribbon-type mixingpaddle assembly P, and has a plurality of spaced hubs 48 thereon towhich the inner ends of oppositely extending support bars 50 are welded.Ribbon paddle elements 52 and 54 are secured to the outer ends of thesupport bars 50, in the manner usual for such a paddle assembly, thepaddle assembly P being effective when the shaft 46 is rotated to mixwhatever ingredient materials are placed in the tank 40. The shaft 46 isusually rotated only to mix or blend a batch of seed and matrix beforebeginning a planting operation, and remains stationary at other times.As is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the shaft 46 is connected by a belt 56 toan electric motor 58 mounted on a bracket 60 attached to one end wall 44of the blender tank 40, the motor 58 being connected to the electricalsystem of the tractor 26 and being effective to rotate the shaft 46,preferably at a speed of about r.p.m. Alternatively, the electric motor58 can be replaced by a hydraulic motor, and connected with thehydraulic system of the tractor, or a crank can be connected to theshaft 46 for manual operation of the paddle assembly P.

The bottom wall 41 of the blender tank 40 has a plurality of outletnipples 64 welded thereto, one for each row of seedbearing matrix to beplanted. The planter 2, as shown and described, is designed to plantfour rows of seeds, and thus there are four nipples 64, on each of whichis received an inlet 66 of dispenser pumps 68a, 68b, 68c and 68d,respectively, the pumps being secured in place on their associatednipples 64 by set screws 69. The dispenser pumps 68a, 68b, 68c and 68dare identical, and each includes a body 70 on which the inlet 66 isformed, the body also including an outlet 72 disposed diametrically fromthe inlet 66. The body 70 contains a chamber 74 of unifonn depthextending inwardly from one face 76 thereof, the chamber 74 being closedby a cover plate 78.

A boss 86 extends centrally from the rear face 82 of the body 70, andhas a bore 84 therethrough for receiving a shaft 85. Mounted on theshaft 85 within the chamber 74 is an impeller 86 made of rubber or someother suitable flexible,

resilient material, the impeller 86 including a hollow hub 88 that isreceived on the shaft 85 and secured thereto by a set screw 90. Fourequally spaced impeller vanes 92 of equal length extend radially fromthe hub 88; the hub 88 and the vanes 92 having a width substantiallyequal to the distance between the cover plate 78 and the bottom wall 96of the chamber 74.

The impeller 86 as viewed in FIG. 4 is intended to rotate clockwise,when the shaft 84 is so rotated. The side wall portion 98 of the chamber74 extending from the pump inlet 66 to the pump outlet 72 is drawn on auniform radius from the center of the shaft 85 such that the outer tipsof the vanes 92 are in sliding contact with said wall portion. Theportion 108 of the cavity sidewall extending between the outlet 72 andthe inlet 62 is also arcuate, but is located substantially closer to theshaft 85 than the wall 98. Thus, the chamber 74 has an eccentric shape,so that when each impeller vane 92 engages the surface 106, it is flexedor deformed. This deformation reduces the volume of the cavity formedbetween the deformed vane 92 and its trailing vane in the region of thepump outlet 72, which in turn causes material in the cavity to be forcedinto said outlet. Rotation of the impeller 86 functions to draw materialfrom the tank 40, and to pump it under pressure through the pump outlet72.

One end 182 of a discharge conduit 1114a, 1114b, 1114c and 104d isconnected to the pump outlet 72 of each pump 68a, 68b, 68c and 68d,respectively. The other end portion 196 of each conduit is disposedvertically and is fastened to the heel edge 38 of its associated soilopener 34, and terminates in a discharge nozzle 168. Thus, seed-bearingmatrix forced into the outlet 72 of each pump 68a, 68b, 68c and 68d byinteraction between its impeller 86 and the chamber wall portion 188passes through the associated conduit 164a, 104b, 1640 and 184d; and isextruded or ejected through the nozzle 168 as an elongated deposit Minto the trench formed by the soil opener 34 The end of the nozzles 108is spaced slightly above the lower edge of the soil openers 34 tofacilitate laying of the deposit M in the trench.

Secured to the soil plate 28 rearwardly of the dispenser pumps by bolts110 is a pair of horizontally aligned upright supports 112, on whichpillow block bearings 114 are mounted. The bearing 114 support ahorizontal jack shaft 116. Joumaled on the jack shaft 116 mediallythereof is one end of a support arm 118, FIG. 3, to the other end ofwhich is journaled an axle 1211 on one end of which is mounted a groundengaging gauge wheel 122 having a cylindrical rim 124 to which tractioncleats 126 are secured. The other end of the axle 120 has a sprocketgear 128 secured thereto, in alignment with a second sprocket gear 130secured to the jack shaft 116, the sprocket gears 128 and 130 beingconnected by a drive chain 132.

Thus, when the gauge wheel 122 rotates, the jack shaft 116 will also berotated. Because the distance between the jack shaft 116 and the axle1211 is fixed, the gauge wheel 122 can be raised and lowered withoutinterfering with the drive chain connection between the sprocket gears128 and 130. The jack shaft 116 will be driven even while the gaugewheel 122 is moving up or down to accommodate variations in the level ofthe soil surface.

Mounted on the jack shaft 116 are four drive gears 134a, 134b, 134a, and134d, one for each of the dispenser pumps 68a, 68b, 68c and 68d,respectively. Mounted on the shaft 85 of each dispenser pump is a gear136, arranged to confront and mesh with its associated drive gear 134a,134Ib, 134e, and 134d. Thus, when the teeth on the drive gears 134a,134b, 135a and 134d and on the gears 136 are engaged and the jack shaft116 is rotated, the dispenser pumps 68a, 68b, 68c, and 68d will beoperated to extrude seed-bearing matrix deposits M.

The gears 134a, 134b, 134a and 134d and 136 are designed to provideintermittent operation of their associated dispenser pumps as theplanter 2 is moved through the field, whereby a period of matrixextrusion will be followed by a period of no extrusion to provide adesired spacing between plants. To this end, the pump gears 136 areprovided with teeth 138 spaced uniformly about the completecircumference thereof, while the drive gears 1340, 134b, 134 c and 134dhave mating spaced teeth 140 thereon, but located in circumferentiallyspaced groups 142 on the periphery of the drive gears.

The teeth 140 are disposed so that the arc length of each group 142thereof corresponds to the length of matrix deposit M it is desired toextrude during each planting period, and the arc length measured betweenthe groups 142 is chosen to correspond to the spacing desired betweendeposits. Thus, as the drive gears 134a, 134b, 134c and 134d are rotatedby the jack shaft 116 in response to movement of the planter 2 throughthe field, they will operate the dispenser pumps 68a, 68b, 68c and 68dto effect planting of a seed-bearing matrix deposit M according to apreset program. The planting program can be varied by changing thedesign of the drive gears 134a, 134b, 134a and 134d. For example, ifcontinuous planting of seed is desired, the drive gears merely aredesigned with the teeth 140 extending completely therearound.

It is also possible to obtain staggered planting with the planter 2whereby, for example, the dispenser pumps 68a and 680 will be inoperation while the dispenser pumps 68b and 68d are idle. This isaccomplished merely by rotating the drive gears 134a and 1340 on thejack shaft 116 until the tooth groups 142 thereon lie opposite thespaces between tooth groups on the drive gears 134b and 134d. It is seenthat by proper design and positioning of the drive gears 134a, 134b,134s and 134d, a wide variety of planting patterns can be devised.

The planter 2 will usually be operated in well-prepared, dry soil,whereby after seed-bearing matrix deposit M has been extruded behind thesoil opener 34 the soil will fall back by gravity and close the trenchto complete the planting procedure. This is accomplished by using athin, knifelike soil opener 34, having a thickness corresponding to theexternal diameter of the tube ends 186, or say about one-fourth inch toabout one-half inch. However, it may be desirable in some instances notto rely solely on self-closing of the seed trench, and to this end amodification of the planter 2 is shown in FIG. 9, wherein a conventionalplanter presser wheel 144 is mounted behind each soil opener 34, thewheels 144 being attached by brackets 146 to the planter frame 4. Thepresser wheels 144 function in the well known manner to close the seedtrench, and to gently press the soil into place.

The planter 2 as shown in FIG. 1 to 6 and 9 is controlled mechanicallyto provide a desired planting pattern. It is to be understood that othertypes of control systems can be utilized, as, for example, theelectrically operated, tape actuated control system showndiagrammatically in FIGS. 7 and 8. In FIG. 7, only the dispenser pumps68b and 68c are shown, while FIG. 8 shows the complete four-pump system.

Referring to FIG. 7, components identical to those shown in FIGS. 1 to 6bear identical reference numerals. The shafts 85 of the dispenser pumps68b and 68c, instead of having the gears 136 mounted thereon, areconnected to the output side of electric clutches 148b and 1480, saidclutches having sprocket gears 150 on the input shafts 152 thereof thatare driven by drive chains 154 from the drive gears 134b and 1340. Thedispenser pumps 68a and 6811 have similar clutches 148a and 148dconnected thereto (FIG. 8), and when the clutches are energized whilethe jack shaft 116 is revolving, their associated dispenser pumps 68a,68b, 68c and 68d will be operated to dispense matrix deposits M.

The electric clutches 1480, 148b, 148c and 148d can be operated by anydesired means. However, a unique tape-actuated control system foroperating them to provide a desired, precise planting program isindicated at. in FIGS. 7 and 8. The control system 168 includes anendless tape or belt 162 mounted on a power drum 164 and an idler drum166, the

power drum 164 having a gear 168 thereon connected by a chain to a gear170 mounted on the jack shaft 116. Thus, when the gauge wheel 122rotates the jack shaft 116, the endless belt 162 will be moved. The belt162 is made of translucent or clear plastic material, whereby light canshine therethrough.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a battery is indicated at 172, and serves asthe power source for the electrical control system. The battery 172 canbe the same battery used to power the electrical system of the tractor26, one side thereof being connected to a ground 174. A lead 176 isconnected to the other side of the battery 172, and is connected to theblade of a pair of single pole, double throw switches 178 and 180, theswitch 178 being associated with the electric clutches 148a and 1480,and the switch 180 with the electric clutches 148b and 148d. The switch178 includes two terminals 1 and C, and the switch 180 has a similarpair of terminals I' and C.

Positioned to cooperate with the continuous belt 162 are two photocellunits 182 and 184, the unit 182 being connected in circuit with theswitch 178 and the electric clutches 148a and 148C, and the photocellunit 184 being connected in circuit with the switch 180 and the electricclutches 148k and 148d. The photocell unit 182 includes a lamp 186disposed between the runs of the belt 162, and a detector cell 188disposed above the belt, the photocell unit 184 similarly including alamp 190 and a detector cell 192. The detector cell 188 is connected byleads 194 and 196 to a conventional signal amplifier unit 198, a similarsignal amplifier unit 200 being connected by leads 202 and 204 to thedetector cell 192.

The amplifier 198 is connected by a power lead 206 to the terminal I ofthe switch 178, and has a ground 208 also connected thereto. Similarly,the amplifier 200 is connected to a ground 210, and a power lead 212connects it with the terminal I of the switch 180. The lamp 186 isconnected to the amplifier 198 by a lead 214, and thus is energizedtogether with the amplifier when the blade of the switch 178 is moved tothe terminal I. In a like manner, the lamp 190 is connected by a lead216 to the amplifier 200.

When the switches 178 and 180 are in theirl and 1' contact positions,respectively, the signal amplifiers 198 and 200, and the photocell units182 and 184, respectively, are operational. Under such conditions, thelamps 186 and 190 are lighted, and so long as they shine uninterruptedlyinto their detector cells nothing transpires. If the light beam ofeither photocell unit 182 or 184 is interrupted, however, then thesignal amplifiers 198 and 200 will generate a signal to operate theirrespective associated electric clutches.

The output of the signal amplifier 198 is connected by a lead 218 to themagnetic or electric clutches 148a and 148e,- whereas, a lead 220connects the output of the amplifier 200 to the magnetic or electricclutches l48b and 148d. Because a signal is supplied to the clutchesonly when their photocell beams are interrupted, it follows that theclutches can be operated by rendering portions of the belt 162 opaque.This is done by placing strips 222 of opaque tape on the outer surfaceof the belt 162.

By properly locating the opaque strips 222 and the photocell units 182and 184, nearly any planting pattern can be precisely programmed. InFIGS. 7 and 8 the photocell units 182 and 184 are spaced longitudinallyof the belt 162, to provide for staggered planting. if even, rather thanstaggered, planting is wanted, then the photocell units 182 and 184 areplaced in side-by-side relationship.

To illustrate a typical planting situation, assume that the drive drum164 is geared to be driven at one-fourth the speed of the gauge wheel122. This will result in the belt 162 moving one-fourth inch for eachinch of ground travel. Assume further that for each row it is desired toplant for two inches, with 4 inches of space between plantings. Withthese parameters, the desired planting pattern for each row can beobtained by placing opaque strips 222 one-half inch in width on the belt162, on l 16 inch centers. If the seeds in the rows a and c are to bestaggered relative to the seeds in the rows b and d, then the photocellunit 182 is spaced longitudinally from the photocell unit 184 a distanceequal to one-half the center-to-center spacing between the opaque tapestrips 222, or in this instance, three-fourths of an inch.

When the blades of the switches 178 and 180 are in contact with theterminals 1 and 1', respectively, the control system operates in anintermittent mode, as controlled by the belt 162. The control system canalso be operated in a continuous mode, whereby seed-bearing matrix iscontinuously extruded. To place the system in its continuous mode, theblades of the switches 178 and are moved to the terminals C and C,respectively. The terminals C and C are connected to the signal leads218 and 220 by leads 224 and 226, respectively, whereby the electricclutches 148a, 148b, 1480 and 148d will be continuously energized whenthe system 160 is in its continuous operation mode.

It is most desirable for an operator seated on the tractor 26 to knowhow the planter mechanism is operating, and the embodiment of FIGS. 7and 8 includes a tractor-mounted indicator panel 230 for this purpose.Mounted on the panel 230 are signal lights 232 and 234, connected byleads 236 and 238 to the switch terminals 1 and 1', respectively. Thus,the signal lights 232 and 234 will be energized when the switches 178and 180, respectively, are placed in their intermittent operation mode.

A second pair of signal lights 240 and 242 is also mounted on the panel230, said lights being connected by leads 244 and 246 to the signalleads 218 and 220, respectively. Thus, the signal light 240 willindicate when the electric clutches 148a and 1480 are energized, and thesignal light 242 will indicate when the electric clutches l48b and 148dare energized.

The signal panel 230 also mounts a bell or buzzer 248, connected by alead 250 to a lead 252 that is connected to one terminal of fourpressure switches 2540, 254b, 254c and 254d, the other terminals of saidpressure switches being connected by a common lead 256 to the power lead176. The pressure switches 254a, 254b, 2540 and 254d are connected intothe matrix conduits 104a, 104b, 1040 and 104d, respectively, and willclose to energize the buzzer 248 whenever an excessive pressure isdetected in one of the conduits, such as would occur if one of thenozzles 108 becomes clogged.

Obviously, the control system 160 can be varied in many ways to providefor different planting patterns. Further, a lesser or greater number ofdispenser pumps than shown can be operated by each photocell unit.

Turning now to the seed-bearing matrix, as has been described, seed ismixed in the blending tank 40 prior to beginning a planting operation.The concept of the invention is to uniformly and evenly distribute theseed to be planted through a suitable gel carrier, to form aseed-bearing matrix that can be extruded by the planter 2 to effectprecision seed planting.

The gel carrier material may be anyone of a number of materials but mustbe such that it will not damage the seeds or harm plant growth anddevelopment. In other words, the gel carrier must be such that it willpermit normal germination of the seeds under normal soil conditions. Inaddition, the carrier material should provide a full body capable ofmaintaining the seeds therein in dispersed relation, and should beeasily pumped. Two gel carrier-materials that have been found mostsuitable are Carbopal 960, marketed by the B. F. Goodrich Corporation,and Norbak, marketed by the Dow Chemical Company. Both materials are acarboxy vinyl polymer of extremely high molecular weight, available aspowders of different coarseness with a bulk density of about 13 lb./cu.ft., and a pH of 3 for a 1 percent water solution. These polymersdisperse readily in water to yield a low viscosity solution.

Carbopal 960 is preferred because it is neutralized during manufacturewith ammonium hydroxide and requires no further addition of a basematerial to convert it to a clear stable gel when mixed with water. Theammonium hydroxide converts in the soil to anhydrous ammonia, a commonlyused nitrogen fertilizer. Norbak, when neutralized with a suitable base,such as sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, etc., is transformed into apermanent clear stable gel. Neither gel will solidify and harden. Forpurposes of the present invention, a solution of about 0.5 percent byweight (one-half pound polymer per 100 pounds of water) has been foundideal, with a percent variation in weight of the water or polymer havingbeen found acceptable.

The exact proportions of seed and carrier gel for a particular plantingoperation depends on several variables, including the size of thedischarge nozzle 1108, the size of the needs to be planted, the ratio ofgauge wheel rotation to dispenser pump rotation, and the desired spacingbetween the plants developed from the seeds planted in each matrixdeposit M. The ratio of seed size to nozzle size should be about 2 to 3.The proportions must be empirically determined for each type of seed,and for the other planting characteristics desired.

The following are specific examples of matrices and crop plantings for atwo-row planter construction according to the invention:

EXAMPLE 1 Crop Type: Cabbage-4 1M. hybrid.

Planting Pattern: plant Z-inch extrusions, skip 8 inches, two

rows staggered planting, about inches apart on a inch wide seed bed.

Desired Plant Emergence Pattern: two to three plants per each 2-inchextrusion.

Injector Nozzle Size: 3/ 16-inch inside diameter.

Gauge Wheel to Dispenser Pump Ratio: 1 to l.

Planting Depth: one-half inch.

Volume of Matrix Per Acre: 7.2 gallons.

Amount of Seed Per 7.2 Gallons of Matrix: 1 pound.

Carrier Gel: Carbopal-0.5 percent solution in water.

EXAMPLE 2 Crop Type: Lettuce-623 8.

Planting Pattern: plant Z-inch extrusions, skip 14 inches, two rowsabout 20 inches apart on 40-inch wide seed bed.

Desired Plant Emergence Pattern: three to four plants per each 2-inchextrusion.

Injector Nozzle Size: 3/ I 6-inch inside diameter.

Gauge Wheel to Dispenser Pump Ratio: 1 to l.

Planting Depth: one-half inch.

Volume of Matrix per acre: 8 gallons.

Amount of Seed per 8 Gallons of Matrix: 2 ounces.

Carrier Gel: Carbopal0.5 percent solution in water.

EXAMPLE 3 Crop Type: Bell Pepperseed pregerminated.

Planting Pattern: plant 2-inch extrusions, skip 4 inches, two

rows about 20 inches apart on 40-inch wide seed bed.

Desired Plant Emergence Pattern: two to three plants per each 2-inchextrusion.

Injector Nozzle Size: one-fourth-inch inside diameter.

Gauge Wheel To Dispenser Pump Ratio: 1 to l.

Planting Depth: I inch.

Volume of Matrix Per Acre: 20 gallons.

Amount of Seed Per 20 Gallons of Matrix: 1 pound.

Carrier Gel: Norbak0.5 percent solution in water.

In each of the above Examples, the results in the way of emergence ofplants, plant spacing, etc., were very satisfactory. It should be notedthat in Example 3 pregerminated seed was planted, a feature which iseasily accomplished with the present method and apparatus. Further, ifdesired, growth stimulants, seedling-protecting insecticides,fungicides, fertilizers, and nearly any kind of compound or chemical toencourage proper plant growth and development can be mixed with the seedand the carrier gel, for simultaneous extrusion with the seed.

In preparing the matrix gel, all of the materials for the matrix areplaced in the blending tank 40 where they are blended by the ribbonpaddle assembly P, the latter being chosen as a particularly effectivepaddle configuration for the present application.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present inventionare possible, without departing from the principles of the invention asshown and described.

We claim:

l. Apparatus for planting seed in a seed bed or the like, comprising: aplanter frame movable over said seed bed; a tank carried by said framefor receiving a seed-containing matrix gel, said tank having at leastone outlet; a positive displacement dispenser pump having a drive shaftand an inlet and an outlet; means connecting said pump inlet with saidtank outlet; at least one soil opener carried by said planter framearranged to open a trench as said planter frame is moved over said seedbed; conduit means extending from said pump outlet to a point at thetrailing end of said soil opener for discharging said matrix gel intosaid trench; means connected with said drive shaft to drive saiddispenser pump at a speed proportional to the rate at which said planterframe is moved over said seed bed, said pump-driving means including agauge wheel carried by said planter frame, said gauge wheel beingengageable with the seed bed to be rotated as said planter frame ismoved over said seed bed; means interconnecting said gauge wheel andsaid dispenser pump drive shaft, whereby as said gauge wheel is rotated,said pump is operated to effect dispensing of the matrix gel, saidlast-mentioned means comprising; a first gear mounted on the dispenserpump drive shaft, a second gear engaged with said first gear, meanscarried by the frame supporting said second gear, and means including achain drivingly interconnecting said gauge wheel with said second gear,said first gear having teeth extending completely around its periphery,and said second gear having circumferentially spaced groups of teeththereon for intermittently driving said first gear and dispenser pump.

2. Apparatus as recited in claim ll including paddle means; a paddleshaft supporting said paddle means in said tank for rotation about ahorizontal axis for mixing a matrix gel, and for mixing seeds with saidgel, and means including a motor connected with said paddle shaft fordriving said paddle means.

3. In a seed planter including a seed-planting mechanism, means fordriving said seed-planting mechanism, an electric clutch operativelyconnected between said planting mechanism and said driving means, and anelectrical circuit connected with and controlling said electric clutch,means comprising: a power source; a continuous planting-program beltarranged to be driven at a speed proportional to the speed at which theseed planter travels during a planting operation; a photocell unitconnected to said power source, and including a lamp on one side of saidbelt to project a beam of light through said belt, and a detector cellaligned with said lamp on the other side of said belt, said belt beingtranslucent except for selected opaque portions; and means in saidcircuit connecting said photocell unit with said electric clutch,operable to energize and engage said electric clutch to drive saidseedplanting mechanism whenever an opaque belt portion interrupts thelight beam between said lamp and said detector cell.

4. Apparatus for planting seed in a. seed bed or the like, comprising: aplanter frame movable over said seed bed; a tank carried by said framefor receiving a seed-containing matrix gel, said tank having at leastone outlet; a positive displacement dispenser pump having a drive shaftand an inlet and an outlet; means connecting said pump inlet with saidtank outlet; at least one soil opener carried by said planter framearranged to open a trench as said planter frame is moved over said seedbed; conduit means extending from said pump outlet to a point at thetrailing end of said soil opener for discharging said matrix gel intosaid trench; means connected with said drive shaft to drive saiddispenser pump at a speed proportional to the rate at which said planterframe is moved over said seed bed; an electric clutch having an inputside and an output side, said output side being connected with saiddrive shaft; drive means interconnecting the gauge wheel with theelectric clutch input side; and electrical control circuit meansconnected with said electric clutch and arranged to effect engagementand disengagement of said clutch according to a preset program tointermittently drive the dispenser pump.

5. Apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein the electrical controlcircuit means includes: a power source; a continuous program beltarranged to be driven in response to rotation of said gauge wheel and inpredetermined ratio thereto; a

1. Apparatus for planting seed in a seed bed or the like, comprising: aplanter frame movable over said seed bed; a tank carried by said framefor receiving a seed-containing matrix gel, said tank having at leastone outlet; a positive displacement dispenser pump having a drive shaftand an inlet and an outlet; means connecting said pump inlet with saidtank outlet; at least one soil opener carried by said planter framearranged to open a trench as said planter frame is moved over said seedbed; conduit means extending from said pump outlet to a point at thetrailing end of said soil opener for discharging said matrix gel intosaid trench; means connected with said drive shaft to drive saiddispenser pump at a speed proportional to the rate at which said planterframe is moved over said seed bed, said pump-driving means including agauge wheel carried by said planter frame, said gauge wheel beingengageable with the seed bed to be rotated as said planter frame ismoved over said seed bed; means interconnecting said gauge wheel andsaid dispenser pump drive shaft, whereby as said gauge wheel is rotated,said pump is operated to effect dispensing of the matrix gel, saidlastmentioned means comprising: a first gear mounted on the dispenserpump drive shaft, a second gear engaged with said first gear, meanscarried by the frame supporting said second gear, and means including achain drivingly interconnecting said gauge wheel with said second gear,said first gear having teeth extending completely around its periphery,and said second gear having circumferentially spaced groups of teeththereon for intermittently driving said first gear and dispenser pump.2. Apparatus as recited in claim 1 including paddle means; a paddleshaft supporting said paddle means in said tank for rotation about ahorizontal axis for mixing a matrix gel, and for mixing seeds with saidgel, and means including a motor connected with said paddle shaft fordriving said paddle means.
 3. In a seed planter including aseed-planting mechanism, means for driving said seed-planting mechanism,an electric clutch operatively connected between said planting mechanismand said driving means, and an electrical circuit connected with andcontrolling said electric clutch, means comprising: a power source; acontinuous planting-program belt arranged to be driven at a speedproportional to the speed at which the seed planter travels during aplanting operation; a photocell unit connected to said power source, andincluding a lamp on one side of said belt to project a beam of lightthrough said belt, and a detector cell aligned with said lamp on theother side of said belt, said belt being translucent except for selectedopaque portions; and means in said circuit connecting said photocellunit with said electric clutch, operable to energize and engage saidelectric clutch to drive said seed-planting mechanism whenever an opaquebelt portion interrupts the light beam between said lamp and saiddetector cell.
 4. Apparatus for planting seed in a seed bed or the like,comprising: a planter frame movable over said seed bed; a tank carriedby said frame for receiving a seed-containing matrix gel, said tankhaving at least one outlet; a positive displacement dispenser pumphaving a drive shaft and an inlet and an outlet; means connecting saidpump inlet with said tank outlet; at least one soil opener carried bysaid planter frame arranged to open a trench as said planter frame ismoved over said seed bed; conduit means extending from said pump outletto a point at the trailing end of said soil opener for discharging saidmatrix gel into said trench; means connected with said drive shaft todrive said dispenser pump at a speed proportional to thE rate at whichsaid planter frame is moved over said seed bed; an electric clutchhaving an input side and an output side, said output side beingconnected with said drive shaft; drive means interconnecting the gaugewheel with the electric clutch input side; and electrical controlcircuit means connected with said electric clutch and arranged to effectengagement and disengagement of said clutch according to a presetprogram to intermittently drive the dispenser pump.
 5. Apparatus asrecited in claim 4 wherein the electrical control circuit meansincludes: a power source; a continuous program belt arranged to bedriven in response to rotation of said gauge wheel and in predeterminedratio thereto; a photocell unit connected to said power source andincluding a lamp arranged to project a beam through said belt, and adetector cell aligned with said lamp on the other side of said belt,said belt being translucent except for selected opaque portions; andmeans connecting said photocell unit with said electric clutch, operableto energize and engage said clutch whenever an opaque belt portioninterrupts the beam between said lamp and said detector cell to therebyinterrupt operation of the dispenser pump.